Ok. I would say the majority of people on this forum want to be helpful, Chuck included. It is hard, however, to provide requested advice if we don't know the details or the sailing background of the poster. There are too many out there who are new to sailing and have no idea what the first step is and do not know the right questions to ask. So we try to pull the information out of them with our responses (albeit a tad bit more diplomatically). And, this seems to be the month for novice sailors who want to sail off the edge of civilization.

As Chuck said, there are plenty who come here who find a "bargain" 30' boat for $5k and we'd like to be able to warn against said bargains. It's great that you can handle your finances, but you are not the norm, unfortunately. Truly, we aren't trying to be nosy. If you look at similar threads you'll see dollar figures all around. As an example, as an instructor, I come across plenty of people who want to buy the biggest boat they can initially afford without regard to annual maintenance, those nasty surprises, storage, marina fees, etc. and then end up selling the boat because they can't afford it.

Also, knowing if you want to truly go offshore or simply island hop (not considered offshore to the experienced) is also helpful. That will also determine what type of boat you need to do that and will help us throw out examples we feel you should consider. You don't need to spend mega-bucks on an offshore boat when you're never realistically going out of sight of land.

My point is, knowing as many details as possible will help us provide your answers.

OK, here's a suggestion. Get off the "Her sailnet" forum where there is very little traffic and move over to the "cruising & livaboard" or "general discussion" forums where a lot more people will see your posts and offer suggesions and advice. Then when you want to talk about specific boats, go to the "Boat review" forum.

I agree that a 28 footer would be a good size for many who want to do what you are planning.
I'm a Catalina owner and fan and think the C-27 is a great boat, but it's not made for open blue water sailing. There are other boats in the same size range that are better suited for your adventure, but they come with a much heaftier price tag. That's why I keep asking your budget.
I really don't care to know what your bank balance is, but it takes a certain amount of money to do what you are planning and if you only have a Catalina or Hunter budget, then you may have to re-think your plans.
A good place to re-start this discussion...What boats on yachtworld have caught your eye that you think would be a good boat for your adventure.

Donna,
I agree my one comment wasn't very diplomatic.
However, I asked specific questions that needed answers.
I asked what kind of boat or boats have you sailed? I got a half answer with "small Hunter". Some people consider 20' to be small and some consider 40' to be small, so her answer told us nothing.
I asked where have you sailed? Answer, "here and there"
I asked a very important question about budget. No response to that question.

Actually Chuck, why don't you get off hersailnet. I came here in the first place to have a nice, comfortable conversation with other women. When I'm ready for pushy men like you to offer advice, I'll ask specifically for yours. Until then, please don't feel like you need to offer it to me.

Jeesh - such a nice welcome. No wonder there aren't many women around.

I get you Chuck. At the same time, anyone new to the forum would have no idea that the HerSailnet forum is lightly used (not to mention mostly populated with responses from men) and I think your response might be a bit jarring to a new member expecting to hear from women sailors who (mostly) have a...softer...approach?

Actually, I had no idea that the question was posted in HerSailnet when I answered. I view new posts by using the New Posts drop-down menu and regardless of where it is posted, if I can answer the question, I try. Perhaps it's that way with most men as well.

Hello sailorgirl,
I'm in the same boat (so to speak)
but my job is still here, so I'm delaying, and planning. My budget so far is $20k for a boat, and my time frame is 10 years to buy, and get to know the boat, ease out of working, plan my transition from landlubber to sailor. There seems to be a TON of experience and great people to share it on this site, so that's where I'm starting. What an advantage, having a community of seasoned sailors in a forum like this. Along with reading books and looking at classifieds for boats, there is a wealth of information available.

If this is really what you want to do then jump in with both feet. Determine your price range, start looking at boats in your price range and definitely find a very reliable surveyor. You will get so many opinions as to the boat you should be looking for but if you take your time the more you look and talk with knowledgable people you will begin to realize the boat you want. Put yourself out there to meet other boaters. You will usually find sailing people very friendly and willing to share their experiences and expertise. Take small adventures and gain experience until you feel confident with your boat and yourself. Opinions are a dime a dozen. The more you "do it" and put yourself out there the more you will see the possibilities of living your dream. Do your homework and just do it!

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